Lawmakers, rights activists insist on extension of maternity leave
Summary
Lawmakers and rights activists in Kathmandu have urged effective implementation of the Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health, while pushing to extend maternity leave from 98 days to at least six months. Speakers said the longer leave would improve mothers’ wellbeing and help ensure better child health.
Key Points
- A proposal of public importance in Parliament calls for effective implementation of the Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health.
- The proposal seeks to extend maternity leave from 98 days to at least six months, benefiting both daily-wage earners and government employees.
- Sita Thapaliya said the initiative aims to challenge the belief that women alone are responsible for childbearing and childcare.
- Speakers including Sobita Gautam, Dr Toshima Karki, Dr Gauri Pradhan and Mira Dhungana supported longer maternity leave for health and legal reasons.
